Should GM use better wire and plugs on the 120 volt Voltec Charger?

[pjk447]

reply to "The manual does not say that you should not use a GFCI outlet. However, it says that if you need to use an extension cord, it should be 12 or 14 AWG and GFCI protected."


Yes .. that is correct .. you should use a larger size wire if you are going to add to the existing cord... you are adding to the length with a cord so it should be larger not the same size.

[Fulgerite]

I just found out GM has issued a RECALL for these chargers involving the cord. I checked my 2012 VIN number and it DOES qualify for the replacement charger. I guess GM listened to us.

[DCFusor]

FWIW, I installed a brand new, highest quality outlet for my 120v cord, the the plug DOES NOT get warm. Contact resistance can happen at either end of that connection, so plugs getting hot might not be the fault of the plug. I've never had it under power with the long cord wrapped up, so I can't speak to that - it IS on the skinny side for the current. I use the 240v charger now instead anyway, and it's fine, the 120v went back into the "trunk" to be used on visits, perhaps. It'd have to be a long visit to be much use, though.

[Fulgerite]

UPDATE:

Chevy agrees with ME! They finally have listened! Chevy has issued a replacement program with a NEW Charger Cord! The NEW cord is black 14 gage wire. The NEW NEMA plug is substantially better quality.

You can see a picture of it here:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/attachment....1&d=1332372201

Thank you Chevrolet!

[jbfalaska]

looks like GM is going to play it safe. Not a recall, but just in case measure, looks like new cords are coming.

[Fulgerite]

How are we being notified? Can I just drop into the Chevy dealer and swap the cordset?

You need to contact your dealer. They have to inspect your current charger to determine if it qualifies for a replacement. Odds are that they will need to order you a replacement. It's worth doing. The new design does solve all of the issues mentioned on this thread.

[Red Volt]

Contact your Dealer. They may just need the numbers off your cord to order a new one. Then you can just drive by and swap out.

[Cord]

1. its the old one - you get a replacement as it was a recall -not really a recall but...
2. Its a newer one - you get a replacement as its covered under std parts replacement.

Remember number 1 said you can replace 2 units.

[Dyohn]

The 120V charger that came with my 2013 is fine, it never got hot (warm yes, hot no) the few times I used it before I installed the 240V charger. I assume it is the "new" model, although it really doesn't matter to me since I carry it in the car and would only use it if I wanted to charge while staying at a hotel or some such thing.

[Mac3]

Ref a 2012 Volt, I have the new black power charger cord but are reading 130 degree at the plug...is this normal? I have tried different GFI outlets on separate circuits, but get the same temp results. I believe on this charger cord you can switch from 8 to 12 amps (orange button on the front). Figured if I selected 8 amps, it would reduce the load/heat?